Drew is a poet, writer, and pastor in The United Methodist Church with a deep love for global contemplative spirituality. He studied theology at Justo Mwale University in Zambia and completed graduate work at Emory University. He lives in Fayetteville, Georgia with his wife, Amanda, and their three children, and shares his poetry and reflections on Substack.

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Drew D. West

<h4 style="text-align:center;">A meditation on stillness by DREW D. WEST</h4>&nbsp;Stillness chosen has a way of shaping us— it certainly has shaped me.Like a rock in a river accepting the water’s current for a hundred years— it smooths our roughness, if we allow it.I thought I knew myself. But when I first entered the quiet, I could hardly stand being with that stranger! I only knew my surface.But after many moments of staying still, I learned to admire the details long unseen. I learned to marvel at the fact that I exist at all.When I avoid this unfolding experience, I become a stranger. When I welcome it, it overflows, and I build neighborhoods of peace amidst wars.How long have I chosen this silence? I’m not sure— but I hope to gather a hundred years.